Smartcard with a coupling frame and a wireless connection between modules

ABSTRACT

A wireless connection is established between at least two electronic modules (M1, M2) disposed separate from one another in a smartcard having a coupling frame so that the two modules may communicate (signals, data) with each other. The two modules may each have module antennas (MA-1, MA-2), and may be disposed in respective two openings (MO-1, MO-2) of a coupling frame (CF). A coupling antenna (CPA) having two coupler coils (CC-1, CC-2) disposed close to the two modules antennas of the two modules. The coupling antenna may have only the two coupler coils (CC-1, CC-2), connected with one another, without the peripheral card antenna (CA) component of a conventional booster antenna (BA). Energy harvesting is disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority (filing date benefit) as nonprovisionalor continuation-in-part of the following US patent applications, whichare herein incorporated by reference in their entireties:

-   This is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No. 16,865,354 filed 3 May 2020    16865354 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Pat. No. 16,571,194 filed    16 Sep. 2019 16571194 is a nonprovisional of 62/731,902 filed 16    Sep. 2018-   16571194 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Pat. No. 16,246,495 filed    13 Jan. 2019 16246495 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Pat. No.    15,969,816 filed 3 May 2018 15969816 is a continuation-in-part of    U.S. Pat. No. 15,939,281 filed 29 Mar. 2018 15939281 is a    continuation-in-part of U.S. Pat. No. 15,358,138 filed 22 Nov. 2016    15358138 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Pat. No. 15,197,795 filed    30 Jun. 2016 15358138 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Pat. No.    15,072,356 filed 17 Mar. 2016 15072356 is a continuation-in-part of    U.S. Pat. No. 14,862,119 filed 22 Sep. 2015 15197795 is a    continuation-in-part of U.S. Pat. No. 14,551,376 filed 24 Nov. 2014    15072356 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Pat. No. 14,492,113 filed    22 Sep. 2014 14492113 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Pat. No.    14,465,815 filed 21 Aug. 2014 15072356 is a continuation-in-part of    U.S. Pat. No. 14,465,815 filed 21 Aug. 2014-   16571194 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Pat. No. 16,199,271 filed    26 Nov. 2018

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates broadly to RFID devices such as smartcards ortransaction cards, and more particularly to cards having two circuits orcircuit modules (or simply “modules”) which are physically separate fromone another.

BACKGROUND

A smart card (SC), chip card, transaction card, or integrated circuitcard (ICC), may be any pocket-sized card that has an embedded integratedcircuit. In the main, hereinafter, the discussion will focus onsmartcards (or, simply “cards”).

Smartcards can provide personal identification, authentication, datastorage, and application processing.

Smartcards (SC) typically comprise a card body (CB) and a chip module(CM). The card body may measure 85.60 mm×53.98 mm, and have a thicknessof 0.76 mm, according to ID-1 of the ISO/IEC 7810 standard.

The card body (CB) of some smartcards may comprise layers of plastic,laminated together.

The card body (CB) of some smartcards may include a metal layer (ML) inthe card body (CB).

The card body (CB) of some smartcards may be made substantially entirelyof metal, resulting in a so-called metal card body (MCB).

The chip module (CM) generally comprises a semiconductor chip (IC),which may include a microprocessor and memory.

The chip module (CM) may include a pattern (or array) of contact pads(CP), connected with the semiconductor chip (IC), and exposed on a frontsurface of the card, to enable an external device (such as a “reader” orPOS terminal) with contacts to interact via a physical “contact”interface (ISO 7816) with the semiconductor chip (IC).

When a smartcard (SC) having contact capability is inserted into anexternal reader, it may be (i) powered by and (ii) communicate with theexternal device by radio frequency (RF) energy.

The chip module (CM) may comprise a module antenna (MA), which may beconnected with semiconductor chip (IC), to enable an external device(such as a “reader” or POS terminal) with its own antenna to interactvia a radio frequency (RF) “contactless” interface (ISO 14443 andNFC/ISO 15693) with the semiconductor chip (IC).

A booster antenna (BA) may be embedded in the card body (CB) to enhancethe contactless interface. Booster antennas may be described in greaterdetail hereinbelow.

A coupling frame (CF) may be incorporated into the card body (CB) toenhance the contactless interface. Coupling frames are described ingreater detail hereinbelow.

When a smartcard (SC) having contactless capability is brought intoclose proximity with an external reader it may be (i) powered by and(ii) communicate with the external device by radio frequency (RF)energy.

Some smartcards, generally referred to as “dual interface” or DIsmartcards, have both contact and contactless capability.

Powering a device such as a smartcard may be referred to herein as“energy harvesting”. A smartcard, which has no battery, and which relieson harvesting energy from an external device, may be referred to as a“passive” card.

Booster Antennas

Generally, a booster antenna (BA) may be formed by embedding a patternof wire in a plastic layer of the card body (CB). An example of abooster antenna (BA) may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 9,033,250. Thebooster antenna (BA) may comprise the following components (orportions):

-   -   a card antenna (CA) component disposed around a peripheral area        of a card body (CB) to interact with the external reader;    -   a coupler coil (CC) component disposed at an interior location        on the card, more particularly at a location of the transponder        chip module (TCM), to interact with the module antenna (MA) of        the transponder chip module (TCM); and    -   an extension antenna (EA) component extending across an interior        area of the card, exclusive of the area occupied by the coupler        coil (CC) component, contributing to the inductance of the        booster antenna (BA).

FIG. 4I of U.S. Pat. No. 9,033,250 is exemplary, and shows a boosterantenna (BA) with card antenna (CA), coupler coil (CC) and extensionantenna (EA) components.

The extension antenna EA comprises two coils EA-1 and EA-2 which may beconnected in series with one another, as shown. One end of the coil EA-1is connected with an end of the coupler coil CC, the other end of thecoupler coil CC may be a free end. The other end of the coil EA-2 isconnected with a first end of the coil EA-2. The other end of the coilEA-2 is connected with an end of the card antenna CA, the other end ofthe card antenna CA may be a free end. The two coils EA-1 and EA-2 ofthe extension antenna EA may be laid with the same sense (bothclockwise), or with opposite senses (one clockwise, the other counterclockwise). This concept can be applied to more than two extensionantennas (EAs).

Reference may be made to the following patents or patent applicationshaving booster antennas:

Appln. Filing Date Patent No. Publication No. Publication Date 140208848 Sep. 2013 U.S. Pat. No. 9,033,250 US 20140091149 3 Apr. 2014 1471429016 May 2015 U.S. Pat. No. 9,449,269 US 20150356399 10 Dec. 2015 141738156 Feb. 2014 U.S. Pat. No. 9,195,932 US 20150021402 22 Jan. 2015 145641119 Dec. 2014 did not issue US 20150235122 20 Aug. 2015 14948390 23 Nov.2015 U.S. Pat. No. 9,633,304 US 20160118711 28 Apr. 2016 13600140 30Aug. 2012 U.S. Pat. No. 8,991,712 US 20130076477 28 Mar. 2013

FIG. 4I of US 20140091149 shows a booster antenna with a single couplercoil (CC) for coupling with an antenna module (AM) and two extensionantenna components (EA-1, EA-2). No modules are associated with the twoextension antenna components. See also FIG. 4I of US 20150021402.

Disclaimer

No claim is or will be made in this patent application to a smartcardhaving a booster antenna (BA) with a card antenna (CA) componentdisposed around a peripheral area of the card body (CB), such as shownin FIGS. 1,2,3 . Rather, the claims of this patent application (andeventual patent) are and will be directed to smartcards having couplingframes (CF), such as shown in FIGS. 4A,4B. Said smartcards havingcoupling frames may also have coupler coils (CC) incorporated therein,such as shown in FIG. 4C.

Coupling Frames

In some smartcards (SC), the booster antenna (BA) may be eliminated, andreplaced by a coupling frame (CF), such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.9,475,086. Generally, a coupling frame (CF) may comprise a metal layer(ML) of a card body (CB), or an entire metal card body (MCB) having anopening (MO) to receive a transponder chip module (TCM), and adiscontinuity, typically in the form of a slit (S) extending through themetal layer or card body from the opening to a periphery (outer edge)thereof.

FIG. 2C of U.S. Pat. No. 9,475,086 is exemplary, and shows a transponderchip module (TCM) disposed in the card body (CB) of a smartcard (SC)wherein the coupling frame (CF) overlaps the laser-etched antennastructure (LES) in the transponder chip module (TCM).

FIG. 2D of U.S. Pat. No. 9,475,086 is exemplary, and shows a transponderchip module (TCM) disposed in the card body (CB) of metal smartcard(SC), or metal card (MC), wherein substantially the entire card body(CB) comprises metal, and may be referred to as a metal card body (MCB).Some additional configurations of coupling frames are disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 9,697,459.

FIG. 11A of U.S. Pat. No. 9,697,459 shows a smart card (SC), which mayhave a metal card body (CB) formed with an opening (MO) for atransponder chip module (TCM), a slit (S1) 1130A extending from theopening to an edge (left, as viewed) of the metal care body, turning thecard body into a coupling frame (CF) 1120A. The opening MO is at theposition prescribed by the ISO standard (near the left edge of the cardbody (CB).

Another opening (LO) is formed on an opposite side of the metal cardbody and also has a slit (S2) 1130B extending from the opening to theedge (right, as viewed) of the card body/coupling frame (CB/CF). An LEDmay be disposed in the opening (LO) and connected to the cardbody/coupling frame (CB/CF) across the slit (S2).

The dashed line around the coupling frame CF (lower right corner only)is intended to indicate that the coupling frame may be disposed in aplastic card body CB. Alternatively, as discussed herein, a metal cardbody MCB may be modified to perform as a coupling frame.

This arrangement provides a transponder chip module (TCM) with an LED onopposite sides (left-right) of a card body of a smart card, which may bea metal smart card. In this example, a single coupling frame CF may haveenough power to illuminate the LED while still providing enough power toactivate and operate the RFID chip in the transponder chip module (TCM).

FIG. 11B of U.S. Pat. No. 9,697,459 shows a smart card (SC) having twocoupling frames, and a card body (CB) which may be a metal card body(MCB) comprising a first coupling frame (CF-1) 1120A on the left (asviewed) side of the card body and a second coupling frame (CF-2) 1120Bon the right (as viewed) of the card body. The two coupling frames(CF-1, CF-2) may be electrically isolated from one another. A firstopening (MO) for a transponder chip module (TCM) may be formed in theleft coupling frame (CF-1), with a slit (S1) 1130A extending from theopening (MO) to the left (as viewed) edge of the metal card body,turning the card body into a coupling frame CF. The opening MO may belocated at the position prescribed by the ISO standard (near the leftedge of the card body).

Another opening (LO) is formed on an opposite side of the metal cardbody, in the second coupling frame (CF-2) 1120B portion thereof, andsimilarly has a slit (S2) 1130B extending from the opening (LO) to theright edge (as viewed) of the card body/coupling frame. An LED or LEDmodule (an LED with additional components) may be disposed in theopening (LO) and connected to the coupling frame (CF-2) across the slit(S2).

The first coupling frame CF-1 may have a larger surface area than thesecond coupling frame CF-2, and may be substantially coplanar with thesecond coupling frame CF-2.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,390,364 (2016-07-12; Finn) discloses a transponder chipmodule (TCM) comprises an RFID chip (CM, IC), optionally contact pads(CP), a module antenna (MA), and a coupling frame (CF), all on a commonsubstrate or module tape (MT). The coupling frame (CF, 320A) may be inthe form of a ring, having an inner edge (IE), an outer edge IE, 324)and a central opening (OP), disposed closely adjacent to and surroundingthe module antenna (MA). A slit (S) may extend from the inner edge (IE)to the outer edge (OE) of the coupling frame (CF) so that the couplingframe (CF) is “open loop”. See also U.S. Ser. No. 15/197,795 filed 30Jun. 2016 (US 2016/0365644).

FIGS. 6C, D show a coupling frame (CF) with coupler coil (CC) disposedin a card body (CB) of a smart card (SC).

The coupler coil (CC) may be in the form of a flat, rectangular spiral,having two ends. Some variations may include: the coupler coil (CC) maybe left unconnected, or floating (both of its ends being “free ends”)the two ends of the coupler coil (CC) may be connected with one another,such as via a resistive load (or a jumper) one of the two ends of thecoupler coil (CC) may be connected with the coupling frame (CF) in thecard body (CB).

As best viewed in FIG. 6D, when the coupling frame (CF) is disposed in alayer of the card body (CB), it may be not be substantially coplanarwith the transponder chip module (TCM), but rather may be offsettherefrom by intervening layers (including, for example, adhesive) andthere may be a space of approximately 100-200 μm between the bottom ofthe transponder chip module (TCM), particularly its planar antenna (PA),and the plane of the coupling frame (CF). However, the coupler coil (CC)and planar antenna (PA) of the transponder chip module (TCM) may couplevery well.

FIG. 6E shows a card body (CB) of a smart card (SC) comprising acoupling frame (CF) having a slit (S) and also having one or morecoupler coils (CC) formed therein.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,390,364 discloses, in FIG. 6E, a coupling frame (CF) ina card body (CB) of a smart card (SC). The coupling frame has an opening(OP) for a transponder chip module (TCM) and two additional openings inthe coupling frame. The additional openings have coils, referred to as“coupler coils” disposed therein. These so-called “coupler coils” do notperform the function of traditional coupler coils (CC) of a boosterantenna (BA), and there is no discussion in the '364 Patent of whetherthe coils are connected with anything, or with one another. There is nodiscussion of disposing modules in the additional openings.

Reference may be made to the following patents which disclose someexamples of coupling frames:

-   -   U.S. Pat. No. 9,475,086 (25 Oct. 2016; Finn et al.)    -   U.S. Pat. No. 9,798,968 (24 Oct. 2017; Finn et al.)    -   U.S. Pat. No. 9,390,364 (12 Jul. 2016; Finn et al.)    -   U.S. Pat. No. 9,812,782 (7 Nov. 2017; Finn et al.)    -   U.S. Pat. No. 10,248,902 (2 Apr. 2019; Finn et al.)    -   U.S. Pat. No. 9,697,459 (4 Jul. 2017; Finn et al.)    -   U.S. Pat. No. 9,836,684 (5 Dec. 2017; Finn et al.)    -   US 2019/0114526 (18 Apr. 2019; Finn et al.)    -   U.S. Pat. No. 10,193,211 (29 Jan. 2019; Finn et al.)    -   U.S. Pat. No. 10,518,518 (31 Dec. 2019; Finn et al.)

Smartcards with Display Capability

Some smartcards have a battery, and include a display for presentinginformation (such as a security code, or one-time passwords) to theuser. Cards having their own, internal power source may be referred toas “active” cards.

Some smartcards have a display, but use energy harvesting, rather than abattery, to power the display. See, for example, WO 2017198842 (ASK),incorporated by reference herein. The display may be e-paper, whichrequires power only for changing the information on the display.

WO 2017198842 describes an interaction between a smartcard and asmartphone wherein, when the smartcard is brought into proximity withthe smartphone, (i) the smartcard is powered “wirelessly” by thesmartphone, and (ii) a code generated by the smartcard is displayed on adisplay of the smartcard. As described therein, there is a physical“wired” (or “hardwired”) connection between a first circuit such as achip (120) or a conversion module (130), and a second circuit includinga display module (140). FIG. 6 therein shows an electrical connectingline (3) and a ground line (4) extending between the first circuit(120/130) and the second circuit (140).

In practice, making hardwired connections between distinct electroniccomponents (such as circuits or modules) within the smartcard may bedifficult to achieve (from a manufacturing standpoint), and may create areliability issue. Repeated flexing of the card can compromise theconnections. Consider, for example U.S. Pat. No. 7,980,477 (19 Jul.2011; Finn) wherein, in order to effect hardwired connections betweenends of an antenna in the card body and corresponding terminals of achip module (IC), end portions of the antenna wire are formed withsquiggles or meanders forming contact areas and silicon cushions aredisposed under the contact areas.

SUMMARY

It is a general object of the invention to eliminate (or obviate theneed for) a hardwired connection between two or more distinct electroniccircuits (or modules) within the smartcard which are physicallyseparated from one another, and to effect the connection(s) with awireless connection between the modules. The wireless connection mayconvey power and/or data between the modules. The circuits or modulesmay be “active”, in that they require power to operate, as may bedistinguished from purely passive components such as a capacitor.

In other words, a general object of the invention is to eliminate theneed for a wired connection between two modules in a smartcard, such asis present in the aforementioned WO 2017198842.

When there are two distinct circuits (or separate modules) that need tocommunicate with one another, this may involve, at a minimum, passingsignals (including data) between the two modules, both of which need tobe powered. Generally, there are some possibilities, such as:

-   -   At least one of the circuits may harvest energy from an external        source (such as a contactless reader, or a smartphone).    -   Both of the circuits may harvest energy from the external        source.    -   One (a first) circuit may harvest energy from the external        source, and the other (a second) circuit may be powered by the        first circuit.

As described above, the booster antenna (BA) and module antenna (MA) are“wirelessly”, connected (in communication) with one another via RF,rather than hardwired to each other. As used herein, “wireless” refersto RF-coupling, generally, and “contactless” refers to a specificprotocol, such as ISO 14443 and NFC/ISO 15693.

According to the invention, generally, a wireless connection may beestablished between two electronic modules (M1, M2) disposed in asmartcard so that the two modules may communicate (signals, data) witheach other.

The wireless connection may be implemented by disposing the two modules(M1, M2) in respective two module openings (MO-1, MO-2) in a couplingframe (CF) in the card. The coupling frame may be implemented as atleast one metal layer, or as an entire metal card body, having the twomodule openings. In either case, the metal layer(s) or metal card bodymay be substantially the same overall size as the card—for example, ID-1format. There may be a single coupling frame, as may be shown in FIG.4A, or there may be a segmented coupling frame implemented as twocoupling frames disposed side-by-side, as may be shown in FIG. 4B.

The wireless connection may be augmented by incorporating a so-called“coupling antenna” (CPA) having two coupler coils (CC-1, CC-2) into thecard. The two coupler coils (CC-1, CC-2) may be connected with oneanother and disposed close to the two modules (MO-1, MO-2),respectively, as may be shown in FIG. 4C.

The coupling antenna (CPA) may comprise first and second coupler coils(CC-1, CC-2) associated with the two modules (M1, M2); and the first andsecond coupler coils may be connected with one another.

In addition to passing signals between the two modules (MO-1, MO-2), thecoupling frame (CF), by itself or with the coupling antenna (CPA), mayalso serve to harvest energy from an external device such as a cardreader, POS terminal, or a smartphone.

According to some embodiments (examples) of the invention, a smartcardmay comprise: a metal layer (ML) or metal card body (MCB) having a firstopening (MO-1) for a first module (M1) and a second opening (MO-2) for asecond module (M2); wherein: the two modules are physically separatedfrom one another in the card body, yet need to communicate with oneanother, and both of the two modules require power to operate; and awireless RF connection is established between the two modules. There isno hardwire connection between the first and second modules.

The first module may comprise a chip module (CM) or transponder chipmodule (TCM); and the second module may comprise a display module (DM).The chip module (CM) may be a dual-interface module having contact pads(CP). The second module (M2) may be an electronic module or device otherthan a display module (DM).

The two modules may be physically separated from one another in the cardbody, yet need to communicate with one another, and both of the twomodules require power to operate. A wireless (RF) connection isestablished between the first and second modules, for data and powertransfer.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the first module (M1) may comprise a firstmodule antenna (MA-1), and the second module (M2) may comprise a secondmodule antenna (MA-2). Referring to FIG. 4C, the first coupler coil(CC-1) of the coupling antenna (CPA) may be disposed in proximity withthe first module antenna (MA-1); and the second coupler coil (CC-2) maybe disposed in proximity with the second module antenna (MA-2). Incontrast with the booster antenna (BA) shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , thecoupling antenna (CPA) does not include a card antenna (CA) componentdisposed around the periphery of the card, and is thereforedistinguishable from a booster antenna.

At least one coupling frame (CF) may be disposed in the card body. Thefirst module (M1) may be disposed in a first opening (MO-1) in the cardbody; and the second module (M2) may be disposed in a second opening(MO-2) in the card body.

A first slit (S1) may extend from the first opening (MO-1) to an edge ofthe metal layer or metal card body; and a second slit (S2) may extendfrom the second opening (MO-2) to an edge of the metal layer or metalcard body.

As disclosed herein:

-   -   The first module (M1), which may be a transponder chip module        (TCM, or CM), may comprise a first module antenna (MA-1).    -   The second module (M2), which may be a display module (DM), may        comprise a second module antenna (MA-2). A display module is        disclosed in WO 2017198842.    -   The coupler coil (CC-1) may be disposed in proximity with the        module antenna (MA-1).    -   The coupler coil (CC-2) may be disposed in proximity with the        module antenna (MA-2).

According to some embodiments (examples) of the invention, a method ofproviding data to a second module (M2) of a smartcard (SC) may comprise:from a first module (M1, CM, TCM) of the smartcard, communicatingwirelessly with the second module (M2). The first module (M1) maycomprise a transponder chip module (TCM, or CM). The second module (M2)may comprise a display module (DM).

The first module (M1, CM, TCM) and second module (M2, DM) may each(both) harvest energy from an external device. The external device maybe an ATM or a POS terminal or a contactless card reader, or asmartphone (SP). Only one of the modules may harvest energy from theexternal device, and provide energy to the other module. A third,energy-harvesting module may harvest energy from the external device andprovide it to one or both of the two modules (CM, DM). Such a thirdmodule (M3) for energy harvesting may be incorporated into one or bothof the other modules (M1, M2), or it may be separate from the other twomodules.

In their various embodiments, the invention(s) described herein mayrelate to industrial and commercial industries, such RFID applications,payment smartcards, electronic passports, identity cards, access controlcards, payment objects, wearable devices, smart jewelry and the like.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention(s) disclosedherein, and their various embodiments, may become apparent in light ofthe descriptions of some exemplary embodiments that follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will be made in detail to embodiments of the disclosure,non-limiting examples of which may be illustrated in the accompanyingdrawing figures (FIGS.). Some figures may be in the form of diagrams.Some elements in the figures may be exaggerated, others may be omitted,for illustrative clarity.

Any text (legends, notes, reference numerals and the like) appearing onthe drawings are incorporated by reference herein.

Some elements may be referred to with letters (“AM”, “BA”, “CB”, “CCM”,“CM”, “MA”, “MT”, “PA”, “TCM”, etc.) rather than or in addition tonumerals. Some similar (including substantially identical) elements invarious embodiments may be similarly numbered, with a given numeral suchas “310”, followed by different letters such as “A”, “B”, “C”, etc.(resulting in “310A”, “310B”, “310C”), and variations thereof, and maybe collectively (all of them at once) or individually (one at a time)referred to simply by the numeral (“310”).

The figures presented herein may show different embodiments of RFIDdevices, such as smart cards or payment objects such as wearabledevices. Some of the drawings may omit components such as thetransponder chip module or module antenna, for illustrative clarity.Some of the figures may show only components of an RFID device, such ascoupling frames.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a typical dual-interface smartcard of theprior art, having a card body (CB), a chip module (CM) and a boosterantenna (BA).

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a smartcard having a booster antennacomprising a card antenna (CA) component and two coupler coil (CC-1,CC-2) components.

FIG. 3 is another diagram of a smartcard having a booster antennacomprising a card antenna (CA) component and two coupler coil (CC-1,CC-2) components.

FIG. 4A is a diagram of a smartcard having a coupling frame with twoopenings, for respective two modules, according to an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 4B is a diagram of a smartcard having two coupling frames, eachwith an opening for a module, according to an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 4C is a diagram of a smartcard having a coupling frame with twoopenings, one (or both) of which may be populated with a module, andincluding a coupling antenna (CPA), according to an embodiment of theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments (or examples) may be described to illustrateteachings of the invention(s), and should be construed as illustrativerather than limiting. It should be understood that it is not intended tolimit the invention(s) to these particular embodiments. It should beunderstood that some individual features of various embodiments may becombined in different ways than shown, with one another. Referenceherein to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, or similar formulations,may mean that a particular feature, structure, operation, orcharacteristic described in connection with the embodiment is includedin at least one embodiment of the present invention. Some embodimentsmay not be explicitly designated as such (“an embodiment”).

The embodiments and aspects thereof may be described and illustrated inconjunction with systems, devices and methods which are meant to beexemplary and illustrative, not limiting in scope. Specificconfigurations and details may be set forth in order to provide anunderstanding of the invention(s). However, it should be apparent to oneskilled in the art that the invention(s) may be practiced without someof the specific details being presented herein. Furthermore, somewell-known steps or components may be described only generally, or evenomitted, for the sake of illustrative clarity. Elements referred to inthe singular (e.g., “a widget”) may be interpreted to include thepossibility of plural instances of the element (e.g., “at least onewidget”), unless explicitly otherwise stated (e.g., “one and only onewidget”).

In the following descriptions, some specific details may be set forth inorder to provide an understanding of the invention(s) disclosed herein.It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that theseinvention(s) may be practiced without these specific details. Anydimensions and materials or processes set forth herein should beconsidered to be approximate and exemplary, unless otherwise indicated.Headings (typically underlined) may be provided as an aid to the reader,and should not be construed as limiting.

Some processes may be presented and described in a series (sequence) ofsteps. It should be understood that the sequence of steps is exemplary,and that the steps may be performed in a different order than presented,some steps which are described may be omitted, and some additional stepsmay be omitted from the sequence and may be described elsewhere.

Reference may be made to disclosures of prior patents, publications andapplications. Some text and drawings from those sources may be presentedherein, but may be modified, edited or commented to blend more smoothlywith the disclosure of the present application. Citation oridentification of any reference should not be construed as an admissionthat such reference is available as prior art to the disclosure.

FIG. 1 shows a smartcard (SC) comprising a card body (CB) and a chipmodule (CM). The chip module (CM) comprises an integrated circuit (orsemiconductor) chip (IC) and a module antenna (MA). The module antenna(MA) may be disposed around a peripheral area of the chip module (CM).

The chip module (CM) may have contact pads (CP) disposed on its frontsurface. Typically, there are 6 or 8 contact pads.

When the chip module (CM) is disposed in the card body (CB), the frontsurface and corresponding contact pads (CP) of the chip module (CM) maybe coincident with the front surface of the card body (CB). The chip(IC) may be used for a financial payment application, identification ormass transit. This is sufficient to effect a “contact” interface (ISO7816) between the smart card (SC) and contacts (not shown) of anexternal device, such as an automated teller machine (ATM) terminal.

The chip (IC) may comprise (not shown) various circuits and elements,such as a microprocessor and memory. The memory may comprise either orboth of volatile and non-volatile memory.

The chip module (CM), comprising integrated circuit chip (IC) and moduleantenna (MA), may be referred to as an antenna module (AM) or as atransponder chip module (TCM). See, for example U.S. Pat. Nos.9,475,086, 9,798,968, 9,390,364, 9,697,459.

The smartcard may also comprise a booster antenna (BA). The boosterantenna (BA) may comprise a card antenna (CA) component (shown in dashedlines) extending around a periphery of the card body (CB), for“contactless” coupling (ISO 14443 and NFC/ISO 15693) with an antenna(not shown) of an external device, such as a point-of-sale (POS)terminal. The booster antenna (BA) may further comprise a coupler coil(CC) component disposed at the location in the card body (CB) which isclosely adjacent, including surrounding the chip module (CM), forcoupling with the module antenna (MA) of the chip module (CM).

The proximity of the coupler coil (CC) with the module antenna (MA)allows the chip module to harvest energy from the external device (orreader), such as the aforementioned POS terminal, and also allows fordata to be passed back-and-forth between the chip module (CM) and theexternal device.

The smartcard (SC) described in FIG. 1 is representative of a typical“dual interface” card which has both “contact” and “contactless”interfaces. Such a card may also have numbers (which may be embossed) onits front surface numbers, other information (user name, bank name,hologram, etc.) visible on its front surface, and a magnetic stripe andsignature panel (not shown) disposed on its back surface. FIG. 1 isrepresentative of prior art.

As discussed in WO 2017198842, a smartcard may be provided with adisplay module (140) which may, for example, be an e-paper type screenwhich requires power only when the display changes.

FIG. 2 shows a smartcard (SC) comprising a first electronic module (M1)which may be a chip module (CM) or a transponder chip module (TCM)having an integrated circuit chip (IC-1) and a module antenna (MA-1). Atransponder chip module (TCM) may have contact pads (CP) on its frontsurface, which may be substantially coincident (or flush) with the frontsurface of the card.

The first module (M1) may be other than a transponder chip module. Anelectronic module (M1) with an integrated circuit chip (IC-1) and amodule antenna (MA-1) may be relevant to the embodiments shown in FIGS.4A-C.

The smartcard of FIG. 2 also includes a booster antenna (BA), comparableto the booster antenna shown in FIG. 1 —namely, the booster antenna (BA)has a card antenna (CA) component disposed around a periphery of thecard, and at least one coupler coil (CC) component.

The smartcard (SC) further comprises a second electronic module (M2),which may be a display module (DM) disposed in the card body (CB), andhaving a surface which may be substantially coincident with the front orrear surface of the card body (CB), for displaying information to thecard-holder (user). The information which is displayed may include acard verification value (CVV) or one-time password (OTP) or otherinformation which may be relevant to user of the card for initiating atransaction.

The invention is not limited to a second module which is a displaymodule. The second module could be, for example, a fingerprint sensor,or simply an LED connected with a pickup antenna comparable to themodule antenna of the chip module (CM). (This may be contrasted withU.S. Pat. No. 9,475,086, FIG. 7A, which shows an LED connected to endsof a coupling frame.)

The first and second electronic modules (M1, M2) are physicallyseparated from one another in the card body of the smart card.Generally, the two modules may need to communicate with one another, andboth modules may require power to operate. Communication may be effectedwithout any hard-wire connection between the modules. The modules may bepowered inductively, without a direct electrical connection to othercomponents of the smart card.

The second module (M2) is physically separate (spaced-apart) anddistinct from the first module (M1), is disposed in a different area ofthe card body than the first module (M1), and is not connected by wiresto the first module (M1). This may be relevant to the embodiments shownin FIGS. 4A-C.

The booster antenna (BA) shown in FIG. 2 is different than the boosterantenna shown in FIG. 1 , in that it may comprise two coupler coil(CC-1, CC-2) components, which may be spaced-apart from one another.

The coupler coil component CC-1 may be disposed at a location in thecard body (CB) aligned with the first module (M1, CM, TCM). The couplercoil component CC-2 may be disposed at a location in the card body (CB)aligned with the second module (M2, DM). See also FIG. 3 .

The first module (M1, CM, TCM) may comprise a module antenna (MA-1) forcoupling with a first of the coupler coils (CC-1), for harvestingenergy, as was described with respect to FIG. 1 , from an externaldevice such as a POS terminal. The module antenna (MA-1) and couplercoil (CC-1) may be disposed in close proximity (such as aligned) withone another. The module antenna (MA-1) may be disposed around aperipheral area of the first module (M1, CM, TCM).

The second module (M2, DM) may comprise a module antenna (MA-2) forcoupling with a second of the coupler coils (CC-2), for harvestingenergy from the exemplary POS terminal. The module antenna (MA-2) andcoupler coil (CC-2) may be disposed in close proximity (such as alignedor overlapping) with one another. The module antenna (MA-2) may bedisposed around a peripheral area of the second module (M2, DM).

The first module (M1, CM, TCM) may comprise an integrated circuit chip(IC-1) for managing communications with the external device (such as POSterminal), for managing communication with the second module (M2, DM),and (optionally) for generating a CVV code. The chip module (CM, M1) mayfurther comprise a power module, or energy harvesting circuit (notshown) for harvesting energy from the external device (such as POSterminal). The energy harvesting circuit may be incorporated into theintegrated circuit chip (IC-1).

The second module (M2, DM) may comprise an integrated circuit chip(IC-2) for managing communication with the first module (M1, CM, TCM).The second module (M2, DM) may further comprise a power module, orenergy harvesting circuit (not shown) for harvesting energy from theexternal device (such as POS terminal). The energy harvesting circuitmay be incorporated into the integrated circuit chip (IC-2).

A simple energy harvesting circuit may comprise a bridge rectifier (fourdiodes). An energy harvesting circuit may be incorporated into each ofthe chip module (CM, M1) and the display module (DM, M2).

As shown in FIG. 2 , the first module (M1) and the second module (M2)may communicate with one another, via their respective module antennas(MA-1, MA-2), via the intermediary of the booster antenna (BA),particularly the coupling coil (CC-1, CC-2) components thereof.

Additionally, energy may be harvested by each of the first module (M1)and second module (M2) via the booster antenna (BA) and respectivecoupler coils (CC-1, CC-2). Both of the modules (M1, M2) may harvestenergy from an external source (POS terminal). One of the two modulesmay harvest energy, and provide energy to the other module, in whichcase only one of the modules would need an energy harvesting circuit. Athird, energy-harvesting module (not shown) may harvest energy from anexternal device, and provide the energy to the other two modules (M1,M2), and the booster antenna may have a third coupler coil (CC-3)associated therewith.

FIG. 3 is generally the same as FIG. 2 , and shows an arrangement of abooster antenna (BA) in a card body (CB), wherein the booster antenna(BA) comprises a card antenna (CA) component, a first coupler coil(CC-1) component disposed at a location of the first module (M1), and asecond coupler coil (CC-2) component disposed at a location of thesecond module (M2). The diagram is greatly simplified, showing only afew turns (coils) of wire for each of the booster antenna components(CA, CC-1, CC-2). The two coupler coils (CC-1, CC-2) may be connectedwith one another, as illustrated. The two coupler coils may be woundwith the same or opposite sense with respect to one another.

The pattern for the booster antenna (BA) and its components (or portionsCA, CC-1, CC-2) may be formed other than by embedding wire, such as by asubtractive (etching) or additive (depositing) process.

The card antenna (CA) component which is an important component of thebooster antenna (BA) may be disposed around the periphery of the cardbody (CB), then the booster antenna (BA) may continue to the interior ofthe card body (CB) to form a coupler coil (CC-1) component at thelocation of the module antenna (MA-1) of the chip module (CM, M1), thenthe booster antenna (BA) may continue across the card body (CB) to forma coupler coil (CC-2) component at the location of the module antenna(MA-2) of the display module (DM, M2).

A coupler coil (CC-1, CC-2) may be approximately coplanar with itsrespective module antenna (MA-1, MA-2), surrounding the module antenna(so to speak). This may be relevant to the embodiments shown in FIGS.4A-C.

Alternatively, the coupler coils (CC-1, CC-2) may be arranged above orbelow their respective module antenna (MA-1, MA-2) so that at least aportion of each coupler coil (CC-1, CC-2) may overlap at least a portionof its respective module antenna (MA-1, MA-2). The coupler coil (CC-1)may extend underneath (behind) the chip module (CM, M1) so that itoverlaps (including completely) the module antenna (MA-1). The couplercoil (CC-2) may extend over (above) the second module (M2) so that itoverlaps (including completely) the module antenna (MA-2). This may berelevant to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4A-C.

As mentioned above, the module antennas (MA-1, MA-2) may be disposedaround a peripheral area of their respective chip module (CM, M1) anddisplay module (DM, M2). And, the coupler coils (CC-1, CC-2) may bedisposed in close proximity with their respective module antennas (MA-1,MA-2) including aligned directly over or under their respective moduleantennas (MA-1, MA-2). This may be relevant to the embodiments shown inFIGS. 4A-C.

The windings of the booster antenna (BA) or component elements thereofmay overlap the windings of a the module antennas (MA-1, MA-2) toenhance inductive coupling, including energy transfer, and also tosupport the transfer of data.

In FIG. 3 , one end of the card antenna (CA) component is shown as afree end (not connected with anything), and one end of the coupler coil(CC-2) is shown as a free end. These two free ends could be connectedwith one another, directly, or via an electronic component such as acapacitor. Other arrangements and connections are possible.

The booster antenna (BA) described herein, having coupler coils disposedat the location of two module openings may be contrasted with theteachings of U.S. Pat. No. 9,390,364, particularly with reference toFIGS. 6C, D, E, F therein.

The booster antenna disclosed herein has two coupler coils (CC-1, CC-2)associated with respective two module openings (MO-1, MO-2), at leastone of, including both of which may have modules with module antennasdisposed therein, and the two coupler coils are connected with oneanother. The booster antenna (BA) also has a card antenna (CA) componentextending around the periphery of the card body (CB).

In FIGS. 6E, F of U.S. Pat. No. 9,390,364, two separate and distinctcoils are shown disposed in two openings in a coupling frame. The twocoils are not connected with each other.

The booster antenna disclosed herein has two (or more) coupler coilswhich are connected with one another. Electronic modules (M1, M2) aredisposed in openings in the card body, at the locations of the twocoupler coils (CC-1, CC-2).

FIG. 3 also shows that a smartphone (SP) may be used as an externaldevice to power (as well as communicate with) the smartcard (SC), andits respective first, chip module (CM, M1) and second, display module(DM, M2). The use of a smartphone to power a smartcard may be disclosedin WO 2017198842. This may be relevant to the embodiments shown in FIGS.4A-C.

A third, energy-harvesting module (not shown) may harvest energy fromthe external device and provide it to one or both of the two modules(CM, DM).

As discussed in WO 2017198842, the information displayed by the displaymodule (140) may comprise data, such as a card verification value (CVV),which may be updated (changed) on a per-transaction (per-use) basis. TheCVV may be generated by the chip module (CM) within the card as a resultof “pairing” of the card and a smartphone. In WO 2017198842, the displaymodule (140) is connected by wires (3, 4) to other circuits (120, 130)in the smartcard.

In contrast with WO 2017198842, the second module (DM, M2) is not wiredto other circuits (or modules) in the card. Rather, the chip module (CM,M1) may communicate data (such as an updated CVV) wirelessly with thesecond module (DM, M2) via the respective module antennas (MA-1, MA-2)which are both inductively coupled with the respective coupler coils(CC-1, CC-2) of the booster antenna (BA).

A super capacitor may be integrated into the card construction as anenergy storage device.

The smartphone may run an app to synchronize a time stamp with a centralserver. Compare WO 2017198842.

The techniques (methods and apparatus) disclosed herein may be appliedin the context of pairing with a smartphone to generate a dynamic CVV,and communicating with a bank computer server 600, such as disclosed inthe aforementioned WO 2017198842 (ASK), resulting in a system foreffecting banking transactions. Other applications are possible, such ascards generating one-time passwords for online banking. If the card doesnot have its own battery, it can be powered by a smartphone running asimple app which may (for example) simply turn on the NFC field in thephone. This may be relevant to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4A-C.

A transponder chip module (TCM) may be disposed in the first moduleopening (MO-1). The second module opening MO-2 may be left empty, or apassive component (such as an LED) may be disposed in the second moduleopening (MO-2). The passive component may be connected to the secondcoupler coil (CC-2), or it may have its own antenna (akin the MA-2) toreceive power from the second coupler coil (CC-2). This may be relevantto the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4A-C.

When there is no module disposed in the second module opening (MO-2),the second coupler coil (CC-2) may nevertheless be used to increaseenergy harvesting. Since there are not two modules, there need not beany data transfer therebetween, only data transfer between (for example)the first, transponder chip module (M1, CM, TCM) and an external reader(such as POS terminal). This may be relevant to the embodiments shown inFIGS. 4A-C.

Wirelessly Connecting Modules, without a Booster Antenna

U.S. Pat. No. 9,475,086, discussed above, discloses metal layers (ML) ina card body (CB), and metal card bodies (MCB) having slits (S) to allowthe metal layer or metal card body to act as a coupling frame (CF). Thecoupling frame (CF) may substitute for the booster antenna (BA) in asmartcard, including a dual-interface metal card, and may be adapted todrive a the chip module (CM, M1) and the display module (DM, M2) in amanner comparable to that of a booster antenna (see FIG. 2 ). Data mayalso be transferred using the metal (layer or card body).

FIG. 4A shows, in the manner of FIG. 11A of U.S. Pat. No. 9,697,459, asingle coupling frame having a first opening MO-1 for accepting a firstmodule M1, and a second opening MO-2 for accepting a second module M2.

FIG. 4A shows a smart card (SC), which may have a metal layer (ML) whichmay be a metal card body (CB, MCB) formed with an opening (MO-1) for atransponder chip module (TCM, CM, M1), a slit (S1) extending from theopening to an edge (left, as viewed) of the metal card body, turning thecard body into a coupling frame (CF). The opening MO-1 may be at theposition prescribed by the ISO standard (near the left edge of the cardbody (CB) for the transponder chip module (TCM).

Another opening (MO-2) is formed on an opposite (right) side of themetal layer (ML) or metal card body (MCB) and has a slit (S2) extendingfrom the opening to the edge (right, as viewed) of the cardbody/coupling frame (CB/CF). A display module (DM, M2) may be disposedin the opening (MO-2).

The dashed line around the coupling frame CF (lower right corner only)is intended to indicate that the coupling frame (CF) may be a metallayer (ML), or metal slug, disposed in a plastic card body (CB).Reference US 20150021403 (particularly FIG. 9 ).

This arrangement provides a smartcard (SC) with a metal layer (ML) ormetal card body (MCB) powering and supporting communication between twodistinct modules (M1, M2).

FIG. 4B shows, in the manner of FIG. 11B of U.S. Pat. No. 9,697,459, afirst coupling frame CF-1 having a first opening MO-1 for accepting afirst module M1, and second coupling frame CF-2 having a second openingMO-2 for accepting a second module M2.

FIG. 4B shows a smart card (SC) having two coupling frames, and a cardbody (CB) which may have at least one metal layer (ML) modified toprovide a first coupling frame (CF-1) on the left (as viewed) side ofthe card body (CB) and a second coupling frame (CF-2) on the right (asviewed) of the card body (CB).

A first opening (MO-1) for a transponder chip module (TCM, M1) may beformed in the left coupling frame (CF-1), with a slit (S1) extendingfrom the opening (MO-1) to the left (as viewed) edge of the metal cardbody. The opening MO-1 may be located at the position prescribed by theISO standard (near the left edge of the card body).

Another opening (MO-2) is formed on an opposite (right) side of themetal card body, in the second coupling frame (CF-2), and similarly hasa slit (S2) extending from the opening (MO-2) to the right edge (asviewed) of the card body/coupling frame. A display module (DM, M2) maybe disposed in the opening (MO-2).

The two coupling frames (CF-1, CF-2) may be formed of a single metallayer (ML), and may be substantially coplanar with one another. Thesingle metal layer maybe a metal card body with a recess for receiving aceramic insert. Reference U.S. Pat. No. 9,697,459 (particularly FIG.3D).

The two coupling frames (CF-1, CF-2) may be formed of two metal layers(ML-1, ML-2) which overly (overlay) each other, and are electricallyisolated from one another. Reference U.S. Pat. No. 9,697,459(particularly FIG. 9A).

The first coupling frame (CF-1) may have a larger surface area than thesecond coupling frame (CF-2). The two coupling frames (CF-1 and CF-2)may be considered to be two portions of a single, split coupling frame.

FIG. 4C shows a metal layer (ML) with two module openings (MO-1, MO-2)and respective two slits (S1, S2). Compare FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C additionally shows a coupling antenna (CPA) which may similar tothe booster antenna (BA) shown in FIG. 3 , but without the peripheralcard antenna (CA) component. In other words, the coupling antenna (CPA)is shown having two coupler coils (CC-1) and (CC-2) overlapping, withinor in close proximity to respective two module openings (MO-1, MO-2) ofthe card body (CB) and coupling frame (CF). The two coupler coils (CC-1,CC-2) may both have free ends (●). Alternatively, the ends of the twocoupler coils could be connected with one another, as illustrated by thedashed line. The two coupler coils (CC-1, CC-2) are associated with anddisposed close to the two modules (M1, M2), respectively, within aninterior area of the card. The windings of the coupler coils (CC-1,CC-2) may overlap the windings of a the respective module antennas(MA-1, MA-2) to enhance inductive coupling, including energy transfer,and also to support the transfer of data. Again, there is no peripheralcard antenna (CA) component, hence the coupling antenna (CPA) isdifferentiated from, and should not be confused with or considered to bea booster antenna (BA).

The coupling antenna (CPA) may be formed other than by embedding wire,such as by etching (subtractive process) a conductive layer, ordepositing (additive process) a conductive pattern.

It may be beneficial to incorporate a layer of ferrite shieldingmaterial between the coupling antenna (CPA) and the coupling frame (CF).

It may be possible to incorporate the coupling antenna (CPA) into a cardbody of a smart card, without having a coupling frame (CF).

A transponder chip module (TCM) may be disposed in the first moduleopening (MO-1). The second module opening MO-2 may be left empty, or acircuit, a module, or a component (such as an LED) may be disposed inthe second module opening (MO-2).

The coupling antenna (CPA) may serve to harvest energy from the secondmodule opening (MO-2) and increase power delivery to the transponderchip module (TCM) in the first module opening (MO-1), via inductivecoupling.

When there is no module disposed in the second module opening (MO-2),the coupling antenna's purpose may be to increase energy harvesting,without the need for data transfer.

The second module opening (MO-2) and its slit (S2) may be located at adifferent position on the card, such as along a top or bottom edgethereof. The module opening (MO-2) may be omitted, leaving just the slit(S2). The coupling antenna (CPA) may traverse the slits (S1, S2). Aportion of the coupling antenna (CPA), more particularly of the couplingcoils (CC-1, CC-2) may be disposed adjacent (such as parallel) to theslits (S1, S2).

The addition of the coupling antenna (CPA) may improve the performanceof the card, making coupling with an external reader more uniform fromvarious positions of the card.

The coupling antenna (CPA) may have open ends or may be a closedcircuit. The coupling antenna (CPA) may be connected in series orparallel with other devices or circuits. For example, a light emittingdiode (LED) may be connected across the coupling antenna (CPA) andhoused within the second module opening (MO-2).

The coupling antenna (CPA) may be connected to capacitors and/orresistors in order to tune the signal within the coupling antenna (CPA),thus improving coupling to the transponder chip module (TCM) andincreasing the communication performance of the card.

The coupling antenna (CPA) may be distinguished from any of the boosterantennas described hereinabove in that it does not include a cardantenna (CA) component extending around the periphery of the card.

While the invention(s) has/have been described with respect to a limitednumber of embodiments, these should not be construed as limitations onthe scope of the invention(s), but rather as examples of some of theembodiments. Those skilled in the art may envision other possiblevariations, modifications, and implementations that are also within thescope of the invention(s), and claims, based on the disclosure(s) setforth herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. Smartcard comprising: a card body (CB); a firstmodule (M1) disposed in the card body; a second module (M2) disposed inthe card body; and at least one coupling frame (CF) disposed in the cardbody; wherein there is no hardwire connection between the first andsecond modules.